New Delhi: Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain on Sunday renewed pressure on the party high command to quickly resolve the ongoing uncertainty over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, as speculation continues over a mid-term power shift between chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar.
Speaking amid reports of a potential change in the chief minister’s post, Hussain said, “We need a change; we are asking for others to be given a chance. We are only asking for a change from an election perspective.”
‘No factionalism within the party’
He insisted there was no factionalism within the party. “Apart from that, there is no factionalism or vested interests. The high command should quickly resolve the confusion regarding the leadership change. This is the demand of all the MLAs and ministers, including me. Draw the curtain without giving room for confusion,” he said.
Hussain also indicated that Shivakumar may soon meet the party’s central leadership. “There is information that DCM DK Shivakumar has been asked to come to Delhi again to meet the party high command on February 26,” he said.
The Congress government in Karnataka has been grappling with internal friction, particularly from supporters of Shivakumar who have demanded that he be appointed chief minister for the remaining 2.5 years of the government, citing an alleged 2023 power-sharing understanding.
Shivakumar refrained from directly commenting on the issue
The leadership tussle intensified after the government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term in November last year. Since then, both camps have held multiple discussions to prevent escalation.
Shivakumar has refrained from directly commenting on the issue, saying the decision rests with the high command. “As stated earlier, the leadership issue is a matter to be decided by the High Command, Siddaramaiah and me. When the time comes, you will know about the decision. This is not a secretive deal; Siddaramaiah himself will give the message to the people of the state when the time comes,” he said recently.